Pines Police Target Zones, Bike Helmets

Beginning this week, you're more likely than ever to get a ticket from a Pembroke Pines police officer.

Police are launching 1998 with a yearlong ticket-giving spree targeting youngsters who violate the new bike helmet law and drivers who violate any law _ especially speeding in school zones.

Officers are targeting locations that residents report as having the most potential for serious crashes. They will remain at the location for one week, announcing each in advance, said Cmdr. John Nasta.

This week, officers are staking out the school zone on Palm Avenue at Johnson Street. Parents say the lives of students are in danger because motorists ignore the 15 mph limit.

No youngster has been killed at the intersection, but that doesn't matter, Nasta said. Police want to crack down before anyone is killed, either at this location or any of the others selected for beefed-up enforcement, he said.

``We want to nip it in the bud before we have a problem,'' he said.

The intersection was chosen because it has no flashing warning sign to slow traffic, although the city has been trying for years to get one.

``In this city, thank goodness, crime isn't a problem,'' Nasta said. ``People don't call up to complain about being robbed or mugged. They call to complain about traffic, and I'd much rather deal with traffic complaints.''